A Wren Says

I wanted to wear a more masculine fragrance. It was time to wear Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Intense.

On opening, it smells undeniably masculine. My nose instantly places the vetiver and lavender as something meant for men. I sprayed it very gingerly, as a woman who is a bit shy about how the scent might be perceived. As it dried down, it softened into something more unisex. I wouldn’t call it sweet, but certainly enjoyable.

In truth, I had the goal to limit how many people could smell me. I was self-conscious. Would people think I was wearing my boyfriend’s cologne? Or that I was intentionally breaking social norms? In reality, I am just out here reviewing fragrances, but I was admittedly so fearful of people evaluating my choices that I didn’t fully commit to the sprays. I can’t give a good assessment of the of the projection or longevity of this fragrance. I dialed it back. I limited myself. I kept myself from reaching my goal.

And such is life. I can’t help but recount this scenario and see how that mentality has held me back in so much of my life.

Even though it feels scary to make a bold or unusual choice, it’s a much more dangerous thing to try and live a life catering to what you think other people might think. Wear the fragrance you want to wear, not the one you think everyone else wants you put on. And then allow that mentality to shape all of your choices.

Uomo Born in Roma Intense $130 for 50 mL

Key notes: Vanilla bourbon, smoked vetiver, lavender